Goa: Many professional footballers are born with Champions luck. It’s like wherever they play in whatever league, his team win that trophy. There have been some examples in world football but this time we will talk about FC Goa’s 24-year-old midfielder Romario Jesuraj.
In the last two seasons of the I-League, Romario has bagged two I-League winners’ medals — Chennai City FC (2018-19) and Mohun Bagan (2019-20). Following the success, the dynamic midfielder has joined Indian Super League side FC Goa last season but was loaned. He came back this season and has been showing some form which he has been carrying since Chennai days.
“Winning the I-League was a dream, but I didn’t expect to win it at such an early age, let alone back to back,” Jesuraj said in an interview with FC Goa’s official website. Pundits consider him as one of the most exciting prospects in the country, but the Tamil Nadu boy, was kind of shy while expressing it. He mentioned that it’s a big word for him to carry but tries to maintain his professional attitude on and off the pitch.
He has been an instant impact for the Gaurs in the Indian Super League. In their first match when the team was down 0-2 against Bengaluru FC. Romario came into the match as a substitute and made an instant impact.
He helped his side to secure a draw by his swift passing and killer moves into the box. Igor Angulo scored for the Gaurs but the provider has been Romario. Undoubtedly, he has been a good signing for the Gaurs. But nostalgic Romario still thinks that the I-League triumph with Chennai helped him to get recognised in Indian football.
He said, “That was something beyond our wildest imagination,” He continued, “Our dreams were modest because of the level of competition and infrastructure available to us before Chennai City wasn’t always the best. However, as the season wore on, we started believing in ourselves.”
“I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel crestfallen when I learnt that I was being sent out on loan. FC Goa was a team that I had admired for many years and when their offer came, I didn’t think twice. They were my favourite team in the ISL because of the kind of football they played.
“You always want to be a part of that. Here I was thinking of taking the next step, but then to be sent away – the initial reaction is, of course, a little disappointing. However, I had faith in the team. I knew I was in their plans for the future and the three-year contract was proof enough. That though presented to me a chance to prove myself yet again and get more playing time,” he added.
On the stint with Mohun Bagan Romario was a regular starter at the beginning under Kibu Vicuna. He got injured in a Calcutta Football League match and then came back against TRAU FC in Bagan’s third match in the I-League which they won 4-0. He got injured again and returned in February in a match against Neroca FC where he bagged his only assist in a 6-2 victory. Later in March after Mohun Bagan won the league midway when the competition got suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Mohun Bagan was a big challenge for me. Till then, I had always played in Tamil Nadu. That was me, stepping out of my comfort zone, going out and getting to experience the world, and that too at one of the biggest clubs in the country. I knew it would be some kind of ‘baptism by fire’. So I picked up the phone and spoke with my uncle, Soosairaj – who was my teammate at Chennai City and others. And when I was done with the call, I was ready for one of my biggest tests yet.”
He further added, “It was a tough time for me (when I was out). To be there at the games and yet not be able to contribute. Thankfully, I had some brilliant teammates – especially Fran Gonzalez and a coach that believed in me,” Romario said, looking back at his time in Kolkata. I think it was over that period I learnt the true meaning of the word ‘professional’. First I had to get ready to fight it out in a city where people didn’t speak my language and then with the injury. I had to take everything one day at a time and do all the right things. Yet there was so much doubt. The mental side is really crucial. I think now I know what that word means.”
In FC Goa, Romario has the privilege to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names of the country and also under the guidance of a coach like Juan Ferrando. “I think I am growing in every aspect of the game under coach Juan,” he said.
“He is very detailed about what he wants and how he wants it. There is that element of trust when you are playing for him. He has really shown great confidence in each and every one of us and it just makes you give us that bit more.”
The management and the fans have huge expectations from the youngster. They hope that he will shine in Orange and will provide the side their first ISL trophy, which they have been haunting since the inaugural season. A man with a Champions luck can turn the Gaurs luck in the league.
 and Mohun Bagan (2019-20).){kind=link}